1. By JohnBy John
SteinbeckSteinbeck

2. John SteinbeckJohn Steinbeck
One of The Great AmericanOne of The Great American
Writers of the 20Writers of the 20thth
CenturyCentury

3. A Look at the AuthorA Look at the Author
 Born February 27Born February 27thth
in 1902 in Salinas, California,in 1902 in Salinas, California,
John was the third of four children, and the only son.John was the third of four children, and the only son.
 During his childhood, SteinbeckDuring his childhood, Steinbeck
learned to appreciate his surroundings,learned to appreciate his surroundings,
and loved the Salinas countryside andand loved the Salinas countryside and
the nearby Pacific Ocean; it would bethe nearby Pacific Ocean; it would be
this appreciation that would later comethis appreciation that would later come
out in his writing.out in his writing.
 Steinbeck worked during his summers as a hiredSteinbeck worked during his summers as a hired
hand in nearby ranches.hand in nearby ranches.

4.  At the age of 14 he decided to be a writerAt the age of 14 he decided to be a writer
and spent a lot of time writing in his room.and spent a lot of time writing in his room.
 In high school, Steinbeck did well in EnglishIn high school, Steinbeck did well in English
and edited the school yearbook.and edited the school yearbook.
 From 1919-1925 Steinbeck attended StanfordFrom 1919-1925 Steinbeck attended Stanford
University to please his parents, but only choseUniversity to please his parents, but only chose
courses that interested him, classical and Britishcourses that interested him, classical and British
Literature, writing courses, and an odd scienceLiterature, writing courses, and an odd science
course.course.
 However, Steinbeck did not receive a degree because heHowever, Steinbeck did not receive a degree because he
would drop in and out of school, sometimes to work withwould drop in and out of school, sometimes to work with
migrant workers and bindlestiffs on California ranches.migrant workers and bindlestiffs on California ranches.

5. What’saBindlestiff?What’saBindlestiff?
A hobo, especially one who carries a bedroll.

6. The Beauty of SalinasThe Beauty of Salinas

7.  During the late 1920s and 1930s, he concentrated onDuring the late 1920s and 1930s, he concentrated on
writing and wrote several novels set in California.writing and wrote several novels set in California.
 Steinbeck gainedSteinbeck gained
great success bygreat success by
readers and critics.readers and critics.

8.  In 1929, he published his first novel,In 1929, he published his first novel, Cup of GoldCup of Gold
 In 1930, Steinbeck married Carol Henning, and theyIn 1930, Steinbeck married Carol Henning, and they
moved into his family’s home. His father helped supportmoved into his family’s home. His father helped support
the struggling couple, but unfortunately, they divorced inthe struggling couple, but unfortunately, they divorced in
1942.1942.
 In 1935, he won his first literary prize,In 1935, he won his first literary prize,
Commonwealth Club of CaliforniaCommonwealth Club of California
Gold Medal for Best Novel by aGold Medal for Best Novel by a
Californian for his novel,Californian for his novel, Tortilla Flat.Tortilla Flat.
 In 1936,In 1936, Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men was published,was published,
and was so widely accepted that Steinbeckand was so widely accepted that Steinbeck
began a book tour that led him to Europe.began a book tour that led him to Europe.

9.  In 1939,In 1939, The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath
was published and became anwas published and became an
instant best-seller; in 1940 it wasinstant best-seller; in 1940 it was
awarded the Pulitzer Prize, oneawarded the Pulitzer Prize, one
of the most prestigious literaryof the most prestigious literary
awards in the world.awards in the world.
 This novel, just likeThis novel, just like Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men,,
stemmed from his experience workingstemmed from his experience working
among migrant workers.among migrant workers.
 Steinbeck’s experiences in the fieldsSteinbeck’s experiences in the fields
researching migrant workers led him toresearching migrant workers led him to
have more compassion for these workers,have more compassion for these workers,
and stirred up his concern for socialand stirred up his concern for social

10.  In 1943 he married GwendolynIn 1943 he married Gwendolyn
Conger who would father him twoConger who would father him two
sons before their divorce in 1948.sons before their divorce in 1948.
 In 1943 SteinbeckIn 1943 Steinbeck
worked as a war corre-worked as a war corre-
spondent for the Newspondent for the New
York newspaper,York newspaper, HeraldHerald
Tribune.Tribune.

11.  While living in Monterey,While living in Monterey,
California, Steinbeck said that heCalifornia, Steinbeck said that he
felt unwelcome as no one wouldfelt unwelcome as no one would
rent him an office for writing, andrent him an office for writing, and
he was harassed when trying to gethe was harassed when trying to get
fuel and wood from a local wartimefuel and wood from a local wartime
rations board. rations board.
 Steinbeck wrote that his old friendsSteinbeck wrote that his old friends
did not want to be around him,did not want to be around him,
partly because of his works, andpartly because of his works, and
partly because he was so successful:partly because he was so successful:
“This isn't my country anymore. And“This isn't my country anymore. And
it won't be until I am dead. It makesit won't be until I am dead. It makes
me very sad.”me very sad.” He left Monterey theHe left Monterey the
next year and moved to New York.next year and moved to New York.

12.  In 1948 he moved back to Monterey. A yearIn 1948 he moved back to Monterey. A year
later he met Elaine Scott, who in 1950 becamelater he met Elaine Scott, who in 1950 became
his third wife.his third wife.
 Although he continued to write and publish,Although he continued to write and publish,
he never felt at ease in his life, and once wrotehe never felt at ease in his life, and once wrote
to an aspiring writer from Salinas:to an aspiring writer from Salinas:
““Don't think for a moment that you will everDon't think for a moment that you will ever
be forgiven for being what they call ‘different.’ Yoube forgiven for being what they call ‘different.’ You
won’t! I still have not been forgiven. Only when Iwon’t! I still have not been forgiven. Only when I
am delivered in a pine box will I be consideredam delivered in a pine box will I be considered
‘safe.’ After I had written the Grapes of Wrath the‘safe.’ After I had written the Grapes of Wrath the
librarians at the Salinas Public Library, who hadlibrarians at the Salinas Public Library, who had
known my folks remarked that is was lucky myknown my folks remarked that is was lucky my
parents were dead so that they did not have toparents were dead so that they did not have to
suffer this shame.” suffer this shame.”

13.  One of Steinbeck’s two sons fought in theOne of Steinbeck’s two sons fought in the
Vietnam War, while Steinbeck himself was inVietnam War, while Steinbeck himself was in
Asia covering the war forAsia covering the war for NewsdayNewsday, a Long, a Long
Island newspaper.Island newspaper.
 Steinbeck lost a number of friendsSteinbeck lost a number of friends
during the anti-war movement due toduring the anti-war movement due to
his open support of the war andhis open support of the war and
America’s involvement.America’s involvement.

14.  Steinbeck’s last twoSteinbeck’s last two
books were nonfiction.books were nonfiction.
 Travels with Charley inTravels with Charley in
Search of AmericaSearch of America was anwas an
account of his trip fromaccount of his trip from
Maine to California withMaine to California with
his poodle, Charley.his poodle, Charley.
 His final book,His final book, AmericaAmerica
and the Americans,and the Americans, waswas
about his belief that inabout his belief that in
time, America wouldtime, America would
once again feel united.once again feel united.

15.  John Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968, at hisJohn Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968, at his
apartment in New York City.apartment in New York City.
 His wife took him home to Salinas to be buried nearHis wife took him home to Salinas to be buried near
the land that he spent his life writing about.the land that he spent his life writing about.

16. Mural overlooking The NationalMural overlooking The National
Steinbeck Centerin SalinasSteinbeck Centerin Salinas

18. The Book
Of MiceandMen was originally called Something
ThatHappened.
 When Steinbeck first thought of the idea forthe
book he intended it to be forchildren. Steinbeck told a
friend that he was experimenting with a new
“dramatic form.”
In May 1936, he wrote a manuscript, but his puppy
(a settercalled Toby) ate it!
He said of the book:
"Itis anexperimentandIdon'tknowhow
successful."

19. Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men – Title’s Origin– Title’s Origin
 The title of the novel comes from a poemThe title of the novel comes from a poem
by the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759by the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759
-96)-96)
The best laid schemes o’ mice and menThe best laid schemes o’ mice and men
Gang aft agleyGang aft agley [often go wrong][often go wrong]
And leave us nought but grief and painAnd leave us nought but grief and pain
For promised joy!For promised joy!
The best laid schemes of miceThe best laid schemes of mice
and men often go wrong-and men often go wrong-
referring to a little mouse whoreferring to a little mouse who
had so carefully built her burrowhad so carefully built her burrow
in a field to protect herself andin a field to protect herself and
her little mice babies – and theher little mice babies – and the
burrow is turned over andburrow is turned over and
destroyed by the man plowing.destroyed by the man plowing.

20. Of Miceand MenOf Miceand Men
 The novel deals with theThe novel deals with the
issues deartoissues dearto
Steinbeck’s heart -Steinbeck’s heart -
poverty, homelessness,poverty, homelessness,
the exploitation ofthe exploitation of
itinerant workers, theitinerant workers, the
failure of the Dream,failure of the Dream,
America’s general moralAmerica’s general moral
decline.decline.

21. Main CharactersMain Characters::
Lennie & GeorgeLennie & George

22. LennieSmall
 Lennieisalarge, lumbering, childlikeLennieisalarge, lumbering, childlike
migrant worker. Duetomigrant worker. Dueto
hismild mental disability, Lenniehismild mental disability, Lennie
completely dependsupon George, hiscompletely dependsupon George, his
friend and traveling companion, forfriend and traveling companion, for
guidanceand protection. Thetwo menguidanceand protection. Thetwo men
shareavision of afarm that they willshareavision of afarm that they will
own together, avision that Lennieown together, avision that Lennie
believesin wholeheartedly. Gentleandbelievesin wholeheartedly. Gentleand
kind, Lennieneverthelessdoesnotkind, Lennieneverthelessdoesnot
understand hisown strength. Hisloveofunderstand hisown strength. Hisloveof
petting soft things, such assmallpetting soft things, such assmall
animals, dresses, and people’shair,animals, dresses, and people’shair,
leadsto disaster.leadsto disaster.

23. GeorgeMiltonGeorgeMilton
 Georgeisasmall, wiry, quick-wittedGeorgeisasmall, wiry, quick-witted
man who travelswith, and caresfor,man who travelswith, and caresfor,
Lennie. Although hefrequently speaksLennie. Although hefrequently speaks
of how much better hislifewould beof how much better hislifewould be
without hiscaretaking responsibilities,without hiscaretaking responsibilities,
Georgeisobviously devoted toGeorgeisobviously devoted to
Lennie. George’sbehavior isLennie. George’sbehavior is
motivated by thedesireto protectmotivated by thedesireto protect
Lennieand, eventually, deliver themLennieand, eventually, deliver them
both to thefarm of their dreams.both to thefarm of their dreams.
Though Georgeisthesourcefor theThough Georgeisthesourcefor the
often-told story of lifeon their futureoften-told story of lifeon their future
farm, it isLennie’schildlikefaith thatfarm, it isLennie’schildlikefaith that
enablesGeorgeto actually believehisenablesGeorgeto actually believehis
account of their future.account of their future.

24. Meet the Other CharactersMeet the Other Characters
 CandyCandy
 CurleyCurley
 Curley’s WifeCurley’s Wife
 CrooksCrooks
 SlimSlim
 CarlsonCarlson

25. CandyCandy
 Candy isan aging ranchCandy isan aging ranch
handyman, Candy lost hishand inhandyman, Candy lost hishand in
an accident and worriesabout hisan accident and worriesabout his
futureon theranch. Fearing thatfutureon theranch. Fearing that
hisageismaking him useless, hehisageismaking him useless, he
seizeson George’sdescription ofseizeson George’sdescription of
thefarm heand Lenniewill have,thefarm heand Lenniewill have,
offering hislife’ssavingsif hecanoffering hislife’ssavingsif hecan
join Georgeand Lenniein owningjoin Georgeand Lenniein owning
theland. Thefateof Candy’stheland. Thefateof Candy’s
ancient dog, which Carlson shootsancient dog, which Carlson shoots
in theback of thehead in anin theback of thehead in an
alleged act of mercy, foreshadowsalleged act of mercy, foreshadows
themanner of Lennie’sdeath.themanner of Lennie’sdeath.

26. CurleyCurley
 Curley istheboss’sson, CurleyCurley istheboss’sson, Curley
wearshigh-heeled bootstowearshigh-heeled bootsto
distinguish himself from thefielddistinguish himself from thefield
hands. Rumored to beachampionhands. Rumored to beachampion
prizefighter, heisaprizefighter, heisa
confrontational, mean-spirited, andconfrontational, mean-spirited, and
aggressiveyoung man who seeksaggressiveyoung man who seeks
to compensatefor hissmall statureto compensatefor hissmall stature
by picking fightswith larger men.by picking fightswith larger men.
Recently married, Curley isRecently married, Curley is
plagued with jealoussuspicionsplagued with jealoussuspicions
and isextremely possessiveof hisand isextremely possessiveof his
flirtatiousyoung wife.flirtatiousyoung wife.

27. Curley’sWifeCurley’sWife
 Curley’swifeistheonly femaleCurley’swifeistheonly female
character in thenovel, Curley’swifeischaracter in thenovel, Curley’swifeis
never given anameand isonlynever given anameand isonly
referred to in referenceto her husband.referred to in referenceto her husband.
Themen on thefarm refer to her asaThemen on thefarm refer to her asa
“tramp,” a“tart,” and a“looloo.”“tramp,” a“tart,” and a“looloo.”
Dressed in fancy, feathered red shoes,Dressed in fancy, feathered red shoes,
sherepresentsthetemptation of femalesherepresentsthetemptation of female
sexuality in amale-dominated world.sexuality in amale-dominated world.
Steinbeck depictsCurley’swifenot asSteinbeck depictsCurley’swifenot as
avillain, but rather asavictim. Likeavillain, but rather asavictim. Like
theranch-hands, sheisdesperatelytheranch-hands, sheisdesperately
lonely and hasbroken dreamsof alonely and hasbroken dreamsof a
better life.better life.

28. CrooksCrooks
 Crooks, theblack stable-hand, getshisnamefrom hiscrooked back. Proud,Crooks, theblack stable-hand, getshisnamefrom hiscrooked back. Proud,
bitter, and caustically funny, heisisolated from theother men becauseof thebitter, and caustically funny, heisisolated from theother men becauseof the
color of hisskin. Despitehimself, Crooksbecomesfond of Lennie, andcolor of hisskin. Despitehimself, Crooksbecomesfond of Lennie, and
though hederisively claimsto haveseen countlessmen following emptythough hederisively claimsto haveseen countlessmen following empty
dreamsof buying their own land, heasksLennieif hecan go with them anddreamsof buying their own land, heasksLennieif hecan go with them and
hoein thegarden.hoein thegarden.

29. SlimSlim
 A highly skilled muledriver and theacknowledged “prince” of theranch, Slim isA highly skilled muledriver and theacknowledged “prince” of theranch, Slim is
theonly character who seemsto beat peacewith himself. Theother characterstheonly character who seemsto beat peacewith himself. Theother characters
often look to Slim for advice. For instance, only after Slim agreesthat Candyoften look to Slim for advice. For instance, only after Slim agreesthat Candy
should put hisdecrepit dog out of itsmisery, doestheold man agreeto letshould put hisdecrepit dog out of itsmisery, doestheold man agreeto let
Carlson shoot it. A quiet, insightful man, Slim aloneunderstandsthenatureof theCarlson shoot it. A quiet, insightful man, Slim aloneunderstandsthenatureof the
bond between Georgeand Lennie, and comfortsGeorgeat thenovel’stragicbond between Georgeand Lennie, and comfortsGeorgeat thenovel’stragic
ending.ending.

30. Other CharactersOther Characters
 CarlsonCarlson - A ranch-hand, Carlson complainsbitterly about Candy’s - A ranch-hand, Carlson complainsbitterly about Candy’s
old, smelly dog. HeconvincesCandy to put thedog out of itsmisery.old, smelly dog. HeconvincesCandy to put thedog out of itsmisery.
When Candy finally agrees, Carlson promisesto executethetaskWhen Candy finally agrees, Carlson promisesto executethetask
without causing theanimal any suffering. Later, Georgeuseswithout causing theanimal any suffering. Later, Georgeuses
Carlson’sgun to shoot Lennie.Carlson’sgun to shoot Lennie.
 The BossThe Boss - Thestocky, well-dressed man in chargeof theranch, and - Thestocky, well-dressed man in chargeof theranch, and
Curley’sfather. Heisnever named and appearsonly once, but seemsCurley’sfather. Heisnever named and appearsonly once, but seems
to beafair-minded man. Candy happily reportsthat heoncedeliveredto beafair-minded man. Candy happily reportsthat heoncedelivered
agallon of whiskey to theranch-handson ChristmasDay.agallon of whiskey to theranch-handson ChristmasDay.
 Aunt ClaraAunt Clara - Lennie’saunt, who cared for him until her death, does - Lennie’saunt, who cared for him until her death, does
not actually appear in thenovel except in theend, asavisionnot actually appear in thenovel except in theend, asavision
chastising Lenniefor causing troublefor George. By all accounts, shechastising Lenniefor causing troublefor George. By all accounts, she
wasakind, patient woman who took good careof Lennieand gavewasakind, patient woman who took good careof Lennieand gave
him plenty of miceto pet.him plenty of miceto pet.

31. George and Lennie go to a ranch near Salinas, California, to
work. George is Lennie’s keeper, and Lennie imitates
everything that George does. Lennie previously had been
kicked out of a town for grabbing a girl’s dress. He simply
liked to touch soft items. That is also the reason that he has
a dead mouse in his pocket: Lennie petted him too hardly.
George promises Lennie that some day they will have their
own farm and raise rabbits as well as other animals.

32. The setting inThe setting in OfOf Mice and MenMice and Men
 The novel is set in the farmlandThe novel is set in the farmland
of the Salinas valley, where Johnof the Salinas valley, where John
Steinbeck was born.Steinbeck was born.
 The ranch in the novel is nearThe ranch in the novel is near
Soledad, which is south-east ofSoledad, which is south-east of
Salinas on the Salinas river.Salinas on the Salinas river.
 The countryside described at theThe countryside described at the
beginning of the novel, and thebeginning of the novel, and the
ranch itself is based onranch itself is based on
Steinbeck’s own experiences.Steinbeck’s own experiences.

33. Soledad, CaliforniaSoledad, California

34. Californiain the1930sCaliforniain the1930s

35. Why Migrant Workers?Why Migrant Workers?
 Before technology createdBefore technology created
farm machinery, humansfarm machinery, humans
had to do a lot of the farmhad to do a lot of the farm
work by hand.work by hand.
 Between the 1880s andBetween the 1880s and
the 1930s, thousands ofthe 1930s, thousands of
men would travel themen would travel the
countryside in search ofcountryside in search of
work.work.
 Such work included theSuch work included the
harvesting of wheat andharvesting of wheat and
barley.barley.

36. Migrant WorkersMigrant Workers
 These workers would earn $2.50These workers would earn $2.50
or $3.00 a day, plus food andor $3.00 a day, plus food and
shelter.shelter.
 During the 1930s, theDuring the 1930s, the
unemployment rate was high inunemployment rate was high in
the U.S., and with so many menthe U.S., and with so many men
searching for work, agenciessearching for work, agencies
were set up to send farmwere set up to send farm
workers to where they wereworkers to where they were
needed.needed.
 In the novel, George and LennieIn the novel, George and Lennie
(the two main characters) were(the two main characters) were
given work cards from Murraygiven work cards from Murray
and Ready’s, which was one ofand Ready’s, which was one of
the farm work agencies.the farm work agencies.

37. Chasing theAmerican DreamChasing theAmerican Dream
 ““Give me yourtired, yourpoor, yourGive me yourtired, yourpoor, your
huddled masses yearning to breathe free,huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
the wretched refuse of yourteeming shore.the wretched refuse of yourteeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest tost toSend these, the homeless, tempest tost to
me, Ilift my lamp beside the golden door.”me, Ilift my lamp beside the golden door.”
(( EmmaLazarus)EmmaLazarus)
Written on the base of the Statue of LibertyWritten on the base of the Statue of Liberty

38. The American DreamThe American Dream
 You can be successful if you workYou can be successful if you work
hard and live morally.hard and live morally.
 America is the land of opportunity.America is the land of opportunity.
 Freedom to work hard and beFreedom to work hard and be
happy is enshrined in thehappy is enshrined in the
Constitution.Constitution.
 The Dream assumes equality ofThe Dream assumes equality of
opportunity, no discrimination,opportunity, no discrimination,
freedom to follow goals andfreedom to follow goals and
freedom from victimization.freedom from victimization.

39. The American DreamThe American Dream
 From the 17From the 17thth
CenturyCentury
onwards, immigrantsonwards, immigrants
have dreamed of a betterhave dreamed of a better
life in America.life in America.
 Many people immigratedMany people immigrated
to America in search of ato America in search of a
new life for themselves ornew life for themselves or
their families.their families.
 Many others immigratedMany others immigrated
to escape persecution orto escape persecution or
poverty in theirpoverty in their
homeland.homeland.

40.  Immigrants dreamed ofImmigrants dreamed of
making their fortunes inmaking their fortunes in
America.America.
 For many this dream ofFor many this dream of
riches became ariches became a
nightmare.nightmare.
– there were horrors ofthere were horrors of
slavery,slavery,
– there were horrors of thethere were horrors of the
American Civil War,American Civil War,
– there was a growingthere was a growing
number of slums that werenumber of slums that were
just as bad as those injust as bad as those in
Europe,Europe,
– there was also greatthere was also great
corruption in the Americancorruption in the American
political system which ledpolitical system which led
to many shattered hopes.to many shattered hopes.

41.  The idea of an American Dream forThe idea of an American Dream for
many was broken when in 1929, themany was broken when in 1929, the
Wall Street crashed, marking theWall Street crashed, marking the
beginning of the Great Depression.beginning of the Great Depression.
 This era affected the whole worldThis era affected the whole world
during the 1930s, but even in the midstduring the 1930s, but even in the midst
of hardship, some people’s dreamsof hardship, some people’s dreams
survived.survived.
 Thousands of people made their wayThousands of people made their way
west towards California to escape fromwest towards California to escape from
their farmlands in the Midwest thattheir farmlands in the Midwest that
were failing due to drought.were failing due to drought.
 The characters of George and LennieThe characters of George and Lennie
dreamt of having a “little house and adreamt of having a “little house and a
couple of acres” which was their owncouple of acres” which was their own
dream.dream.

42. IstheAmerican dream possiblein thehistoricalIstheAmerican dream possiblein thehistorical
context of thenovel?context of thenovel?

43. MajorThemes inMajorThemes in Of MiceandMenOf MiceandMen
The Nature of DreamsThe Nature of Dreams
LonelinessLoneliness
FriendshipFriendship
The Corrupting Powerof WomenThe Corrupting Powerof Women

44. The Nature of DreamsThe Nature of Dreams
– In essence,In essence, Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men isasmuch astory about thenatureof human dreamsisasmuch astory about thenatureof human dreams
and aspirationsand theforcesthat work against them asit isthestory of two men.and aspirationsand theforcesthat work against them asit isthestory of two men.
– Georgeand Lenniehaveadream, even beforethey arriveat their new job on theGeorgeand Lenniehavea dream, even beforethey arriveat their new job on the
ranch, to make enough money to live"off thefat of theland" and betheir ownranch, to make enough money to live"off thefat of theland" and betheir own
bosses. Lenniewill bepermitted, then, to tend therabbits.bosses. Lenniewill bepermitted, then, to tend therabbits.
– Humansgivemeaning to their lives—and to their futures—by creatingHumansgivemeaning to their lives—and to their futures—by creating
dreams. Without dreamsand goals, lifeisan endlessstream of daysthatdreams. Without dreamsand goals, lifeisan endlessstream of daysthat
havelittleconnection or meaning.havelittleconnection or meaning.
– Georgeand Lennie’sdream—to own alittlefarm of their own—issoGeorgeand Lennie’sdream—to own alittlefarm of their own—isso
central tocentral to Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men that it appearsin someform in fiveof thesixthat it appearsin someform in fiveof thesix
chapters.chapters.

45. Dreams& Broken DreamsDreams& Broken Dreams
 When Georgegoesinto afull description of theWhen Georgegoesinto afull description of the
dream farm, itsEden-likequalitiesbecomeevendream farm, itsEden-likequalitiesbecomeeven
moreapparent. All thefood they want will berightmoreapparent. All thefood they want will beright
there, with minimal effort.there, with minimal effort.
AsLenniesays:AsLenniesays:
– " We co uld live o ffa the fatta the lan'.”" We co uld live o ffa the fatta the lan'.”
 When Georgetalksabout their farm, hetwiceWhen Georgetalksabout their farm, hetwice
describesit in termsof thingsheloved in childhood:describesit in termsof thingsheloved in childhood:
– " Ico uld build a smo ke ho use like the o ne gran'pa" Ico uld build a smo ke ho use like the o ne gran'pa
had...”had...”
 Georgeyearnsfor hisfutureto reflect thebeauty ofGeorgeyearnsfor hisfutureto reflect thebeauty of
hischildhood.hischildhood.
– " An' we'd keep a few pigeo ns to go flyin' aro und the" An' we'd keep a few pigeo ns to go flyin' aro und the
win'milllike they do ne when Iwas a kid.”win'milllike they do ne when Iwas a kid.”
Unfortunately, “thebest laid schemesof MiceandUnfortunately, “thebest laid schemesof Miceand
Men oft go awry.” -Men oft go awry.” - Ro bert BurnsRo bert Burns

46. TEND RABBITS? YOU CRAZY
BASTARD. YOU AIN’T FIT
TO LICK THE BOOTS OF NO
RABBIT. YOU STUPID SOB!
TEND RABBITS? YOU CRAZY
BASTARD. YOU AIN’T FIT
TO LICK THE BOOTS OF NO
RABBIT. YOU STUPID SOB!

47. LonelinessLoneliness
Many of the characters admit to suffering from profound loneliness.
George sets the tone for these confessions early in the novella when he
reminds Lennie that the life of a ranch-hand is among the loneliest of
lives. Men like George who migrate from farm to farm rarely have anyone
to look to for companionship and protection. As the story develops,
Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife all confess their deep loneliness. The
fact that they admit to complete strangers their fear of being cast off
shows their desperation. In a world without friends to confide in,
strangers will have to do. Each of these characters searches for a friend,
someone to help them measure the world, as Crooks says. In the end,
however, companionship of his kind seems unattainable. For George, the
hope of such companionship dies with Lennie, and true to his original
estimation, he will go through life alone.

48. FriendshipFriendship
In addition to dreams, humanscravecontact with othersto givelifemeaning.
Lonelinessispresent throughout thisnovel. Despite George's impatience and
annoyance with Lennie, and his remarks about how easy his life would be
without him, he still prefers his companionship.

49. The CorruptingThe Corrupting
Power of WomenPower of Women
The portrayal of women in Of Mice and Men is limited and unflattering. We
learn early on that Lennie and George are on the run from the previous
ranch where they worked, due to encountering trouble there with the woman
in the red dress. Misunderstanding Lennie’s love of soft things, a woman
accused him of rape for touching her dress. George berates Lennie for his
behavior, but is convinced that women are always the cause of such trouble.
Their enticing sexuality, he believes, tempts men to behave in ways they
would otherwise not.
A visit to the “flophouse” (a cheap hotel, or brothel) is enough of women for
George, and he has no desire for a female companion or wife. Curley’s wife,
the only woman to appear in Of Mice and Men, seems initially to support
George’s view of marriage. Dissatisfied with her marriage to Curley and
bored with life on the ranch, she is constantly looking for excitement or
trouble. Although Steinbeck does, finally, offer a sympathetic view of
Curley’s wife by allowing her to voice her unhappiness and her own dream
for a better life, women have no place in the author’s idealized vision of a
world structured around the brotherly bonds of men.

50. More Themes inMore Themes in Of MiceandMenOf MiceandMen
 PowerlessnessPowerlessness
– Steinbeck’scharactersareoften theunderdogs, and heshowsSteinbeck’scharactersareoften theunderdogs, and heshows
compassion toward them throughout thebody of hiswritings.compassion toward them throughout thebody of hiswritings.
Powerlessnesstakesmany forms—intellectual, financial,Powerlessnesstakesmany forms—intellectual, financial,
societal—and Steinbeck toucheson them all.societal—and Steinbeck toucheson them all.
 FateFate
– Life’sunpredictablenatureisanother subject that definestheLife’sunpredictablenatureisanother subject that definesthe
human condition. Just when it appearsthat Georgeand Lenniehuman condition. Just when it appearsthat Georgeand Lennie
will get their farm, fatestepsin.will get their farm, fatestepsin.
 My Brother’s KeeperMy Brother’s Keeper
– Steinbeck makesthereader wonder whether mankind shouldSteinbeck makesthereader wonder whether mankind should
go alonein theworld or beresponsibleand helpful to othersgo alonein theworld or beresponsibleand helpful to others
who arelessfortunate.who arelessfortunate.
 NatureNature
– Steinbeck usesnatureimagesto reinforcehisthemesand to setSteinbeck usesnatureimagesto reinforcehisthemesand to set
themood.themood.

51. SYMBOLSSYMBOLS
Animal ImageryAnimal Imagery
Steinbeck also uses animal images in his story. Most often applied to
Lennie, imagery is particularly apparent in his physical description. His
hands are called "paws" and indicate trouble when he uses them. He
lumbers along like a bear in Steinbeck's earliest descriptions of him.
Lennie is also associated with rabbits, which are part of his dream (he
will get to tend them on the farm) and because they are soft things he
likes to pet. Rabbits also symbolize his realization that he is in trouble; if
Lennie does "a bad thing," George will not let him tend the rabbits. In
the last scene, when Lennie is at the pool, waiting for George, a rabbit
appears to him, berating him and telling him that George will not let him
care for the rabbits. In addition, Lennie's loyalty to George is frequently
described like that of a dog, especially a terrier. Steinbeck chose these
images because they connote particular traits: unleashed power,
conscience, and loyalty. In this way, it helps the reader understand
Lennie and why he often acts instinctively.

52. SYMBOLSSYMBOLS
Candy’s Old Dog
Candy’s dog is a symbolic representation of how anyone perceived as no
longer useful or without purpose is subject to a fate dictated by those
that are “superior.” The dog was once useful as a sheepdog on the ranch,
but now is old and decrepit, and its only purpose now is as a companion
for Candy. The value of this companionship is not recognized or honored
on the ranch, and Carlson insists that the old, useless dog must be killed.
This represents the notion that the strong must always, without fail,
dominate over and destroy the weak. This message is internalized by
Candy, who sees that his purpose and use at the ranch are dwindling,
and he is concerned about his own fate among workers that are stronger
and have an advantage over him.

53. SYMBOLSSYMBOLS
George's Card Game
Steinbeck is often described by critics as a believer in a "non-teleological
world." This is a world where chance plays a major role. It is chance, for
instance, that Slim happens to be in the barn when Curley comes into the
bunkhouse looking for his wife. It is also chance that George is absent from
the barn when Lennie is burying his pup and Curley's wife comes in.
Steinbeck tries to show that man cannot understand everything that
happens, nor can he control the world around him. For this reason, events
often appear to be random.
George's Solitaire game in the bunkhouse is exactly that. It symbolizes the
random appearance of events just as cards are drawn out at random from
the deck. All is a matter of chance in Solitaire, and the same is true of the
events in the book that Steinbeck thought about titling "Something That
Happened." The isolation of the ranch and the interplay of personalities in
the bunkhouse also contribute to the idea of chance. The world is
unpredictable, and in this setting, plans often "go awry."

54. SYMBOLSSYMBOLS
Hands
Hands are also used symbolically throughout the novel. The men on the
ranch are called "hands," indicating that each has a job to do to make the
ranch work as a whole. This takes away their humanity and individual
personalities. They are workers, not men. Lennie's hands, or paws, are
symbols of trouble. Whenever he uses them — as he does on Curley —
trouble ensues. Candy's missing hand is a symbol of his helplessness in the
face of advancing old age and his fear that he will be deemed useless and
fired when only one hand is not enough. George's hands are small and
strong, the hands of a doer and planner. Curley's hands are mean and cruel
and one, of course, is crushed in the machine that is Lennie; Curley's hand
that he keeps soft for his wife is a symbol of his impotence and inability to
satisfy his wife sexually. Crooks' hands are pink, and Curley's wife's hands
have red nails. Slim has large, skillful hands like those of "a temple dancer."